Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cologne (Fides Service) - Young people of all ages and from all over the world are signing the book of condolence opened by the official World Youth Day web site (www.wjt2005.de) and leaving messages about Pope John Paul II who had called them to join him in Cologne in August this year. “Now that the Lord has called the ‘father of World Youth Days’ to heaven, it is up to us to carry forward his initiative” wrote Daniel. “The best way to pay homage to the Pope is for us to make sure World Youth Day is a success” wrote Patrick in French. “Although the Pope is no longer here on earth his spirit of love will remain with us for ever” wrote Rimmel from the Philippines. “The Pope taught us that peace starts within our own hearts. And we experience this peace powerfully in his presence” wrote E.J. Shanks from the United States.
From the 16 to the 21 August young people from all over the world will be in Cologne to celebrate the 20th World Youth Day organised by the Catholic Church. The week before, from 11 to 15 August, at least 250,000 young people from some 120 different countries are expected to attend “days of meeting” in dioceses all over Germany as an introduction and preparation for the event. “WYD begins in our parishes and dioceses. During the ‘days of meeting’ the young people will experience the universal Church, they will share their faith, take part in Mass and also learn about our country” the Catholic Bishops of Germany wrote in a Pastoral Letter read out at masses all over the country on Sunday 10 April and in which they asked German Catholics to give generously to the special collection in support the event. “Your generosity will enable more young people to participate, it will also offer society an important witness of lived faith”, the Bishops wrote in the letter to Catholics. “Help us to make WYD a spiritual event for everyone and a contribution to renew missionary spirit in Germany. Guests are a blessing. Let’s be good hosts!” the German Bishops said. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 11/04/2005 - 25 righe, 360 parole)
